To update Ubuntu packages, refresh the package list and install available upgrades. Use Software Updater for the easiest desktop workflow, APT in Terminal for direct control, or Synaptic for a detailed package list. These methods do not upgrade Ubuntu to a new release.
Save your work, use a reliable network, and plug in your laptop if needed. Back up important data before updating. Package updates can include security fixes, libraries, applications, or kernel components, so let installation finish rather than forcing a shutdown.
Software Updater is the simplest choice on Ubuntu Desktop. Button labels may vary by version or desktop flavor.
APT is Ubuntu's package manager. update refreshes local repository information; it does not install updates. upgrade installs available newer versions of installed packages.
sudo apt update
sudo apt update refreshes repository metadata without installing upgrades.sudo apt upgrade
Enter your password if requested. Review the package count and disk-space estimate, then type y and press Enter to continue. The -y option skips confirmation, so omit it when you want to inspect changes first.
If APT says some packages are “kept back,” do not immediately force a full upgrade. The update may require dependency changes that the standard upgrade command will not make automatically. Review the message and use Software Updater or Synaptic to inspect the proposed changes. sudo apt full-upgrade can install or remove packages to resolve dependencies, so use it only after reviewing what APT proposes.
Synaptic gives you a detailed graphical view of installed packages and available versions. It may not be installed by default. Install it with:
sudo apt install synapticOpen Synaptic Package Manager from the applications menu and authenticate when asked. Then follow these steps:
sudo dpkg --configure -a, then sudo apt --fix-broken install. Rerun the update commands if needed.For routine package maintenance, start with Software Updater or the two APT commands above. A full Ubuntu release upgrade is a separate process with additional checks and should be started only when you intend to move to another Ubuntu release.
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